The Uttarakhand Government has made registration compulsory for every pilgrim travelling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Without a valid registration slip you will be stopped at checkpoints and will not be allowed to proceed to the dhams. This guide walks you through the complete Char Dham Yatra registration process for 2026 — every online and offline method, the documents you need, and the mistakes that slow most people down.
Registration lets the administration manage daily pilgrim numbers, run health checks at high altitude, and reach you quickly in an emergency. It applies to all visitors — whether you drive yourself, come with a tour operator, or take a helicopter package. Children and senior citizens must be registered too. The 2026 yatra season opened on 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples, and continues until the portals close around Diwali.
This is the most reliable method and can be done from home:
Download the official Tourist Care Uttarakhand app from the Play Store or App Store. The steps mirror the website — register, create a trip, add pilgrims, and save the slip to your phone. The app is handy for last-minute registrations on the road.
You can start a registration by sending the word YATRA to 8394833833 on WhatsApp and following the guided replies. Keep your ID details ready.
If you arrive without a registration, physical counters open shortly before and during the season at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Barkot, Hina (Uttarkashi), Sonprayag, Pandukeshwar and Govindghat. Carry original ID for everyone in your group. Offline queues can be long during peak weeks, so registering online first is strongly recommended.
The government registration itself is free. Be careful of unofficial websites that charge a ‘processing fee’ — always use the official portal, app or counters above. Helicopter tickets and tour packages are separate paid services.
Kedarnath and the higher shrines sit above 3,000 m, so a brief health screening may be done at the base. If you are driving a private or commercial vehicle to the dhams, a separate Green Card (vehicle registration) is required through the same portal — ask your driver or operator to arrange it.
No. Registration is mandatory and is checked at multiple points on the route. Unregistered pilgrims are turned back.
As early as your dates are confirmed. Daily slots for Kedarnath in particular fill up fast during May–June and after the monsoon, so register well in advance.
Yes — every pilgrim regardless of age needs a registration entry.
A good operator will complete the registration for your whole group and hand you the slips. If you book our Chota Char Dham Yatra or Kedarnath Yatra package, we handle registration, permits and the Green Card for you.
Planning the trip itself? Read our detailed Char Dham itinerary & route map and the cost per person breakdown next.